Another packed weekend of things to do in Birmingham, from the Good Food Show and The Nutcracker to The Vamps, Jess Glynne and Paul Weller via Guys and Dolls and Winter Fest.
Here’s our pick of the best gigs, theatre shows, comedy, foodie events and days and nights out from Friday night to Sunday night.
Or why not check out our ultimate guide to things to do in Birmingham? It’s full of great ideas for ways to spend your time in our fair city.
Musical/Guys and Dolls
From Tuesday until December 5
New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
0844 871 3011
Sophie Thompson is reunited with her Four Weddings and Funeral husband David Haig in this acclaimed musical. They play Miss Adelaide and Nathan Detroit in the New York tale of gamblers, gangsters and nightclub singers, which includes the songs Luck Be A Lady and Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat. Get your tickets here.
Gig/Paul Weller
Friday
Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham
0844 338 8000
The Modfather is embarking on a 10-date arena tour to promote his 12th studio album, Saturns Pattern. He hasn’t won the NME’s Godlike Genius Award for nothing. Young Fathers, winners of the 2014 Mercury Music Prize, are the support. Get your tickets here.
Paul Weller
Event/BBC Good Food Show
Thursday to Sunday
NEC Birmingham
0844 581 1360
The ultimate day out for foodies, not least because you can watch top chefs like Michel Roux Jr, James Martin, Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood, Tom Kerridge and The Hairy Bikers cooking live.
Get your cookbooks signed, learn the latest techniques from the experts, sample great flavours, be inspired and shop the latest gadgets and brands.
Festival/Birmingham Trad Fest
Friday to Sunday
Digbeth
The second annual Birmingham Trad Fest involves three nights of music in Digbeth, featuring local and international Irish folk and trad music stars. This year means more acts, bigger artists and more tickets sold.
Gigs include Michael McGoldrick, Dezi Donnelly, Jim Murray and John Joey Kelly on Friday at the Irish Centre, the Mairtin O’Connor Trio on Saturday at The Crossing and Sean Keane on Sunday at Molloy’s Ceol Castle.
Irish musician Michael McGoldrick
Music/G4 Christmas by Candlelight
Friday
St Paul’s Church, Jewellery Quarter
0121 236 7858
The lovely operatic harmonies of the former X Factor stars are being taken on a tour to eight carefully selected church and cathedrals and St Paul’s is one of them. You can hear Jonathan, Ben, Mike and Nick from G4 sings Christmas classics and carols with a beautiful candlelit backdrop. Click here for tickets.
G4: Christmas by Candlelight
The Nutcracker
Friday until December 13
Birmingham Hippodrome
0844 338 5000
Forget the German market, this is the true sign that the countdown to Christmas has begun in Birmingham. This magical Birmingham Royal Ballet production, now in its 25th year, always delivers the wow factor with its amazing transformation scene and excellent dancing. A must for all the family. Click here for tickets.
Roy Smiljanic
Comedy/Jarred Christmas
Friday and Saturday
Glee Club, Birmingham
0871 472 0400
With a name like Mr Christmas, this is the time of year when New Zealand comic Jarred comes into his own. Frankly he just feels a bit unseasonal at other times of the year. He joins a good line-up which also includes Dana Alexander, Tim Clark and Jamali Maddix.
Jarred Christmas
Gig/Free Radio Live
Saturday
Genting Arena, Birmingham NEC
0844 338 8000
The sixth year of what is called “the biggest pop party in the West Midlands” stars Jess Glynne, The Vamps, Years & Years, John Newman, Ben Haenow, Fleur East, Nathan Sykes and Sigma. Click here for tickets.
Jess Glynne
Military show/Birmingham International Tattoo
Saturday and Sunday
Barclaycard Arena
0844 338 8000
More than 1,000 performers will line up at Britain’s biggest indoor tattoo to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. International marching bands from as far afield as Sweden and Hungary, led by the Band of the Royal Air Force, will join massed Scottish pipe bands, field gun teams, standards bearers and dog display teams.
By the time it comes to Land of Hope and Glory at the finale, you will have never felt so patriotic or proud of our armed forces. Get your tickets here.
Birmingham International Tattoo
Event/Kings Heath Winter Fest
Sunday
Kings Heath Square
Source: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/